Joey Woofter Appointed Managing Director at The Laylow Waikiki, Autograph Collection

The Laylow Waikiki, Autograph Collection has appointed Joey Woofter as Managing Director, bringing more than 15 years of hospitality experience across Hawaii and the US mainland to the boutique Waikiki property.

Woofter brings a combination of hotel operations expertise, rooms leadership, renovation experience and a strong focus on people to his new position. He will oversee the property’s overall performance while helping preserve and further develop the distinctive identity of the midcentury modern hotel.

What experience does Joey Woofter bring to The Laylow Waikiki?

Woofter has built his hospitality career across leading hotel brands, developing extensive experience in rooms operations and property leadership.

He began his career with Hyatt at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, where he gained experience in front office and housekeeping operations. He subsequently moved through several leadership positions across different hospitality brands, expanding his understanding of hotel operations and guest service.

His career later brought him to Turtle Bay Resort, where he played an important role in the property’s transformation. His involvement in major renovations, openings and other hospitality projects has given him experience in managing operational change while maintaining service standards.

What will Joey Woofter oversee as Managing Director?

In his new role, Woofter will have responsibility for the hotel’s overall performance, including guest experience, financial results, operations and associate engagement.

He will also be responsible for supporting the continued development of The Laylow’s distinctive culture, ensuring that the hotel’s operational priorities remain connected to its individual identity.

His remit will include working with the hotel team to identify new opportunities for growth while ensuring business decisions remain authentic to the property’s sense of place.

This approach is particularly relevant for an independent-minded boutique hotel operating within the Autograph Collection, where individuality forms an important part of the guest proposition.

How does Woofter’s Hawaii experience shape his new role?

Although Woofter was born and raised in a small farming town in Nebraska, Hawaii has become the centre of his personal and professional life.

He moved to the islands to attend Hawai‘i Pacific University and subsequently established his hospitality career in Hawaii. His experience in the local market provides familiarity with the destination, its hospitality environment and the expectations of visitors travelling to Waikiki.

That connection will be relevant as he takes responsibility for a property whose identity is closely linked to its Waikiki location and Hawaii experience.

His career combines mainland and Hawaii hospitality experience, giving him exposure to different operating environments and hotel markets.

Why is The Laylow’s identity important under new leadership?

The Laylow Waikiki is positioned as a midcentury modern boutique hotel in the heart of Waikiki, with its individual character forming a central part of its hospitality proposition.

Woofter’s responsibilities extend beyond financial and operational performance to the continued development of the hotel’s unique culture.

His focus on people and creativity is expected to support an environment where associates can contribute to the guest experience while maintaining the property’s distinctive personality.

For a boutique hotel, preserving a recognisable sense of place can be an important part of differentiating the property within a competitive destination such as Waikiki.

What does Woofter’s leadership approach bring to the hotel?

Woofter brings an operational background supported by an emphasis on people, creativity and team development.

His career across front office, housekeeping, rooms operations, renovations and hotel transformations has exposed him to many of the functions that influence the day-to-day guest experience.

As Managing Director, he will bring these areas together, with responsibility for ensuring that operations, financial performance, associate engagement and guest satisfaction support the hotel’s wider objectives.

The combination of operational expertise and familiarity with Hawaii also provides a foundation for his new leadership role at The Laylow.

What is Autograph Collection’s role in The Laylow Waikiki?

The Laylow Waikiki operates under Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott International.

Autograph Collection is built around independently minded hotels, with more than 200 properties across more than 30 countries and territories, according to the supplied company information.

The brand focuses on preserving the individuality of each property rather than applying a uniform hotel concept. Each hotel is positioned around its own character, destination and design identity.

For The Laylow Waikiki, that model aligns with its boutique positioning and midcentury modern character.

How could the appointment shape The Laylow Waikiki?

Woofter’s appointment places an experienced Hawaii hospitality executive at the helm of the Waikiki property as it continues to develop its guest experience and operational performance.

His background includes luxury hotel operations, rooms management, major renovation projects, hotel openings and property transformation, providing a broad operational foundation for the Managing Director position.

Away from the hotel, Woofter lives in Hawaii with his wife, Jane, their seven-year-old son, Leo, and their dog, Dottie. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, including golfing, fishing, skateboarding and surfing.

His personal connection to the islands, combined with more than 15 years of hospitality experience across Hawaii and the mainland, will now inform his leadership of The Laylow Waikiki.